I Have A ?

I have a simple question
Because I have a simple mind.
Hoping someone can help me
For the answer I scarce can find.

I've noodled on it extensively
It plagues me day and night.
Please can anyone help me
To understand this plight?

You see I've noticed something
that disturbs me deep in my heart.
Soul's words being trampled upon
Whilst unknowns trash Soul's art.

Do we all want our work critiqued
Or just simply to share our vision?
To criticize and be a discouragement
Seems to be some folks life mission.

How sad for young writers, not only in age
But also in discovering their talent.
Wanting to be heard, and hoping to hear
That their words are nicely balanced.

Surely there's a much kinder way
For them to say their peace.
Rather than the way they do
Ripping it piece by piece.

So my question is simple as I did state,
And all will understand...

Just who made them judge and jury
In this literary Cafe land?

Author's Note

It makes me sad to see people pour their heart and soul into a writing only to have it criticized to hell and back.

If ya don't like it, please just move along. And if a writer doesn't specifically ask for proofing, editing, suggestions, etc. don't take it upon yourself to decide that that is what they want or need. It's quite possible that some writers just want to share.

That is all.

Reviews

[Brandon S. Whitten]

Indeed, some have no decorum. It does apply in cyberspace. Another excellent read and write.

[icelandicblue]

It's not necessarily what you say but how you say it. I like the rhyming chastisement and public service announcement you've got her R.L. I think if you take the time to become familiar with a writer's work and have built a mutual exchange of ideas then you can share constructive criticism. But...it must always be done to help the writer not make the critic feel superior. This is a well penned poem.

[R. L. Ives]

My point exactly. There is definitely a way to give advice/opinion that gives encouragement and maybe even a little direction. But to tear someone's work to shreds is absolutely unacceptable.

Thank you for the review.

[caesarkreshen]

I think that people need to know the truth. The truth doesn't need to be offensive, but other people's eyes are important, too. I like to know how my writing is received.

Not everyone who critiques is evil. Some people want to help. I wish I could think of a great analogy, but it's like someone helping you brush your hair.

[R. L. Ives]

Please understand that this was not directed at any and all whom have given input to one's writing. Nor does it suggest that everyone is evil. However, it was directed at those who seem to find pleasure in pointing out every single inconsistency or grammatical mistake, and in less than constructive ways. In my humble opinion, this is unnecessary. If the writing is not to one's liking then maybe they should just say nothing at all. Again, this is just my opinion, but I'm sure you will find other writings on this same topic that share the same sentiments.

[caesarkreshen]

I agree in a way, grammar (where it's not just for fun grammatical misuse) and spelling should be pointed out. I know my writing is full of typos and sometimes I even forget to write words altogether when transcribing it from a notebook. I understand what you mean about people who critique harshly, but I've been labeled that before, too, and I think I am thorough. To me, having someone take the time to go over your writing line-by-line is a very rare thing. As a writer, I do want people to like my writing, but foremost I want to be read.

Later.

[quinfinn]

you don't have to convince me that this is an issue....and you know i have spoken out on this very issue....i won't name the guiltiest parties out of decency, but i think most of us know who is the elephant in the room...the pariah, the cancer on this site and the t**d in the punchbowl. well, turds belong with all the other foul smelling waste that plagues us...better to warn and forewarn all who would embrace their writing propensities than to let them find out by rude awakening from the offending slime. excellent write, love it, embrace it and will comment as much as you care to.....to offend the offending parties!

[R. L. Ives]

Thank you Quin. I certainly have not given life to this issue as you and others have done, but I was just annoyed at some things I had seen lately and couldn't hold my tongue, er pen, any longer. Maybe someone's style or format, or word choice is not everyone's cup 'o tea. But what is a communality is that we are all sharing from our heart in the best way we know how, and for some to come along and spread 'graffiti' across the review is uncalled for. If my writing sucks, do I want to be told " hey, you can't write for s**t so just give up"? Which is what I liken what I have seen to. No, I would much rather someone be kind enough to let me know I need to improve in this or that area.

[quinfinn]

exactly, though if i am not mistaken, a certain someone has toned down their nastiness a degree or two since my write has been at the top of popular writes for going on 4 days now...hmmm, coincidence? maybe not.